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  7. Takenoko-jiru (Bamboo Shoots Miso Soup)

Takenoko-jiru (Bamboo Shoots Miso Soup) ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

  • Niigata Prefecture

    Takenoko-jiru (Bamboo Shoots Miso Soup)

Takenoko-jiru (Bamboo Shoots Miso Soup)

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  • Takenoko-jiru (Bamboo Shoots Miso Soup)
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    Image Source : Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture

  • Main lore areas

    Joetsu Region

  • Main ingredients used

    Bamboo shoots, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Mackerel, Eggs, Japanese Leeks, Miso

  • History/origin/related events

    In the mountainous regions of Niigata Prefecture, young shoots of Chishimazasa bamboo called "Hime-takenoko" are harvested from late May to early July. In the Joetsu region of Niigata Prefecture and the Hokushin region of Nagano Prefecture, when hime-takenoko are available, they are made into bamboo shoot soup and eaten. In addition to the bamboo shoots and canned mackerel, the Joetsu region often adds potatoes, carrots, onions, daikon radish, fried thin tofu, and other ingredients to the soup, which is then simmered with an egg. On the other hand, the Hokushin region of Nagano Prefecture is simple. It can be made with hachiku or moso bamboo. In some areas, such as Myoko City, mikaki-nishin (herring) used to be used, but with the introduction of canned mackerel in the 1950s, it is said that it came to be widely used outside of sea-side areas where fresh fish is available. Since the availability of young shoots is temporary, locals look forward to this time of year. Recently, bamboo shoots have been bottled for long-term consumption, but since the time when they can be gathered locally is temporary, this miso soup is an extravagant use of a seasonal ingredient.

  • Opportunities and times of eating habits

    Hime-takenoko is a bamboo shoot that is harvested only in early summer, and is called nemagari-take in the Shinetsu and Tohoku regions. They are not bamboo, but young shoots of bamboo grass (Chishimazasa), which can grow up to two meters tall. It is said to be a rare wild vegetable because of its short season and the difficulty of collecting it. During the season of "hime-takenoko," households in the Joetsu and Hokushin regions make "bamboo shoot soup" and bamboo shoot dishes.

  • How to eat

    Hime-taketoko are less scum but become more scum with time, so they should be boiled and prepared or cooked the same day they are harvested (or purchased). Add the bamboo shoots and canned mackerel to the miso-based broth. The addition of canned mackerel increases the richness and flavor of the dish. Sake lees may also be added.

  • Efforts for Preservation and Succession

    (Outline of traditions, preservation societies, social media use, modern approaches for commercialization etc.)
    Even today, households in the Joetsu region make and eat them whenever the season is right. Hime takenoko (bamboo shoots) and jarred takenoko can be found at local markets, direct sales outlets, and online retailers, while supermarkets are lined with canned mackerel.

RECIPE

Ingredients (5 servings)

  • Hime bamboo shoots 10
  • Potatoes 2 medium
  • Carrot 1 medium
  • Onion 2 medium
  • Canned mackerel 1 can
  • Egg 1
  • Miso paste 90g
  • Water 800ml
  • Japanese leeks As desired

How to cook

  • 1. Peel and cut bamboo shoots into 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) pieces, avoiding the knots and boil them.

  • 2. As the bamboo gets thinner at the top, cut bamboo shoots into long vertical slices to even out the size difference.

  • 3. Cut potato into 5 mm (0.2 inches) pieces.

  • 4. Cut the carrot into 5 mm (0.2 inches) pieces.

  • 5. Cut the onion into 5 mm (0.2 inches) pieces.

  • 6. Put 2, 3, 4, and 5 in a pot and cook until carrots and potatoes are soft.

  • 7. When the potatoes and carrots are soft, break up the canned mackerel and dissolve the miso.

  • 8. Finally, pour in the beaten egg.

provider : Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture

Recipes vary depending on the region and home.

Contact

Food Cultures Office, Overseas Market Development and Food Cultures Division, Food Industry Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Tel:+81-3-3502-5516

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